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2024 MWFPA Convention a Success!
Thanks to all who supported and attended this year’s MWFPA Convention in Wisconsin Dells! We had a sold-out expo hall and nearly 1,000 attendees, the largest turnout in at least two decades. It’s been a privilege to serve the food processing industry in this capacity for the past 6 years. I want to thank the MWFPA Board and my colleagues Jamie Julian and Lauren Danuser for their tremendous work in supporting the Association during this time!
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Midwest Food Products Association Selects Nick Novak as Next President
MADISON – The Board of Directors of the Midwest Food Products Association (MWFPA) has selected Nick Novak to serve as the organization's next President. He will succeed Jason Culotta, who has successfully led the organization for nearly six years. MORE
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Farm Bill Extension on the Line
Senior agriculture lawmakers are still battling over a deal to extend the current 2018 farm bill. And time is running out. Lawmakers are facing down a Dec. 31 deadline when key farm programs expire. Democratic and Republican negotiators agree they have to attach a one-year extension of the current 2018 farm bill to the year-end funding stopgap Congress needs to pass before Dec. 20. But negotiators are locked in a tense back and forth over the details of the agreement, and what extra farm aid funding they may include. MORE
Source: Fluence Media
Grassley Certain of Farm Bill Extension but Unsure on Disaster Aid
The congressional wheels are in motion to extend the current farm bill into 2025. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley tells Brownfield. “I hate to tell you there’s no doubt it’s going to be included in the Continuing Resolution, but that’s what we think is definitely happening. And I don’t know whether I need a daily update on it because I think it’s a forgone conclusion.” But the Iowa Republican says he’s not sure if ad hoc disaster assistance will be made available to farmers suffering financial hardships. MORE
Source: Fluence Media
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US Agriculture Industry Starts Talks with Trump Team on Tariffs, Immigration
The US agriculture industry has started talks with Donald Trump’s transition team in a bid to advocate for the food business as the president-elect pledges tariffs and mass deportations. Groups including the National Grain and Feed Association, which represents agriculture powerhouses such as Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. and Cargill Inc., and the International Fresh Produce Association, were among those involved in the discussions, according to people familiar with the matter. MORE
Source: Constitution Partners
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Ben Jarboe, Mid-West Farm Report, Interview with Jason Culotta
For many years the Midwest Food Products Association has been working hard to make sure consumers get the nutritious produce they need. But this has not come without challenges. Jason Culotta, the President of the Midwest Food Products Association speaks on some of the key problems they are facing, including high costs of cans, false information on "processing", decreased demand, and new regulations. As an industry they are working to combat these issues to ensure nutritious, cost-effective products for all, whether it be sweet corn, potatoes, peas, and so much more.
LISTEN
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USDA Names New FSIS Administrator; Kiecker Moves to New FSIS Role
Dr. Denise Eblen will move from Office of Public Health Science to FSIS administrator, while Paul Kiecker will shift to a role with the Office of Investigation, Enforcement and Audit. MORE
Source: FoodProcessing.com
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Texas District Court Stays Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements
On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas granted a preliminary injunction enjoining enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). Further, holding that “The CTA finds no constitutional solace behind any door,” the District Court stayed the CTA’s reporting deadlines. The CTA, which went into effect January 1, 2024, required most legal entities to file reports (“BOI Reports”) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) containing personal information about their beneficial owners by December 31, 2024. As of now, that filing requirement is not effective. MORE
Source: Michael Best
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US Added a Strong 227,000 Jobs in November in Bounce-Back from October Slowdown
America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. MORE
Source: MN Chamber
FDA Forwards Front-of-Package Labeling Proposal
The Biden White House’s Office of Management and Budget is studying a proposal for a front nutrition labeling rule, but its fate rests with President-elect Trump. MORE
Source: FoodProcessing.com
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FDA and USDA Soliciting Comments on Food Date Labeling
The FDA and USDA released a joint Request for Information (RFI) about food date labeling, which includes the usage of terms such as “Sell By,” “Use By” and “Best By.” Both food processors and the public can submit comments. “The RFI seeks information on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling, and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and grocery costs,” the joint statement said. MORE
Source: FoodProcessing.com
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Report: Wisconsin Farm, Food Industry Grows Slightly Behind the Rest of State’s Economy
The state's ag industry grew by nearly 11 percent over a 5-year period, but became a smaller part of Wisconsin's overall economy. MORE
Source: WisPolitics
Lakeside Foods Purchasing Oregon Company, Closing Wisconsin Facility
Wisconsin-headquartered Lakeside Foods is purchasing Oregon-based Smith Frozen Foods. The deal includes production facilities in Oregon, while a Wisconsin plant will close. MORE
Source: ProduceProcessing.net
Madison Beats Out Other U.S. Cities for Sauerkraut Company’s New Headquarters
Wisconsin just tightened its grip on the bratwurst (and sauerkraut) crown. Fermented Food Holdings — a worldwide leader in the production and distribution of sauerkraut, pickles, kimchi and other fermented foods — is moving its corporate headquarters to Madison. MORE
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Food Northwest: Oregon EPR Update
Oregon’s Environmental Quality Counsel (EQC) approved the final rules for Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act on November 23, 2024. These rules include a pre-registration requirement for all obligated producers to report data on packaging materials sold in Oregon by March 31, 2025. Producers must register with the producer responsibility organization, Circular Action Alliance, and report data on sales for the 2024 calendar year. California and Colorado are also finalizing rules that will require reporting in 2026. For more information and guidance, join the Food Northwest EPR Task Force or reach out to Policy Director Chris Cary, chris@foodnw.org
Source: Food NW
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More Beans and Less Red Meat: Nutrition Experts Weigh in On US Dietary Guidelines
Americans should eat more beans, peas and lentils and cut back on red and processed meats and starchy vegetables, all while continuing to limit added sugars, sodium and saturated fat. That's the advice released Tuesday by a panel of nutrition experts charged with counseling the U.S. government about the 2025 edition of the dietary guidelines that will form the cornerstone of federal food programs and policy. MORE
Source: Constitution Partners
USDA Offers $124 Million in Grants for Small and Mid-Sized Food Businesses
USDA today said it’s made available $124 million in Business Builder grants to support small and mid-sized farm and food businesses by funding projects that increase business viability, develop regional market opportunities and expand value chain capacity. Business Builder grants are for small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, including agricultural producers, processors, aggregators, distributors and other businesses within each region of the 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers (RFBCs). MORE
Source: FoodProcessing.com
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Save the Date! 2025 Meetings & Events
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View 2025 MWFPA Sponsorship Opportunities - HERE
January 15th Leadership Seminar - (Class is full)
February 20th Safety Seminar - The Lodge at Mauston
April 10th Sanitation Seminar - Food + Farm Exploration Center, Plover
2025 MWFPA Convention & Expo, December 2-4, Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells
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